Basement Water Damage in Kennesaw, GA
Lots of Kennesaw homes have finished basements, and water in a finished basement gets expensive fast. Here's how to respond.
Right now: if water is near outlets, the furnace or the electrical panel, don't go down there. Otherwise: stop the source if you can, turn off power to the basement at the breaker, and get belongings upstairs.
Common causes in Kennesaw basements
- Sump pump failure: power outages during storms, stuck floats or worn-out pumps
- Water heater failure: many Kennesaw homes have the water heater in the basement
- Seepage: water through walls or the floor slab after heavy rain, especially on lots near Kennesaw Mountain's slopes
- Window wells filling with rain and leaking in
- Plumbing leaks from lines in the basement ceiling
Finished basement: what usually comes out
- Carpet pad (almost always), and carpet if the water was dirty or sat too long
- The bottom 1 to 2 feet of drywall, so wall cavities can dry
- Wet insulation behind the drywall
- Baseboards and sometimes laminate or vinyl plank flooring
Concrete, framing and many solid wood items can usually be dried in place.
Keeping the basement dry
- Battery backup sump pump (or a water-powered backup)
- Test the sump pump each spring and fall by pouring water in the pit
- Extend downspouts at least 4 to 6 feet from the house
- Window well covers
- A water alarm near the sump and water heater
More for Kennesaw: water damage in Kennesaw · flooded basements · water heater leaks
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover a sump pump failure?
Often only if you have a 'water backup' or 'sump pump' endorsement. Standard policies frequently exclude it. Check your policy.
How long does it take to dry a finished basement?
Typically 3 to 5 days of drying after extraction and removal of wet materials, longer for large areas.
Water in your home? Get a local pro on the way.
Call and we'll connect you with an independent local water damage restoration company that serves your area. The referral is free, and many local companies answer around the clock.